Anrich Nortje eyes Shoaib Akhtar’s record 161.3kph after delivering fastest ball in IPL history

Anrich Nortje

Delhi Capitals pacer Anrich Nortje delivers the fastest bowl in the history of the IPL against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday where he bowled at the speed of 156.22 km/hr. However he has also bowled the second and the third fastest delivery in IPL till date where he clocked at the speed  of 155.21 and 154.74 respectively.

The current fastest delivery record belongs to Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar(161.3 Km/hr) which he bowled in 2003 Cricket World Cup.

“Hopefully it’s something I have got in me and it’s definitely something I’ve wanted to do,” Nortje told his IPL team-mate R Ashwin on the latter’s YouTube channel.

“Maybe a good wicket, some adrenaline, the right combination and I can do it this IPL or maybe in the future.”he added.

In the match against Royals he was looking in sublime form with the ball as he was delivering the fastest balls in his very first over but Rajasthan Royals Butler played two scoops off him to register two boundaries. But the Proteas pacer made a superb comeback where he bowled Butler in the final delivery of his last ball.

“I don’t know Its on the day,” Nortje said. “I didn’t know about the 156kph until after the game. Obviously there was nothing on the scoreboard. It would’ve been a bit of a help to get the blood flowing. But, I’ve got no idea” said Nortje. Delhi Capitals are currently placed 2nd in the points table falling behind Mumbai Indians who have equal points but based on net run rate they are placed above Capitals.